Psalms 81:2

"For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. By Asaph. Sing aloud to God, our strength! Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob!"

Key Reflection

For the original audience, this psalm by Asaph was intended to be performed with musical accompaniment from an instrument associated with Gath, a Philistine city known for its musical prowess. The instruction to sing aloud and make joyful shouts invoked a vibrant worship experience, calling the people to express their praise and devotion to God, who is portrayed as both their strength and the protector of Jacob, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and His people.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Take a psalm -literally, “Lift up a psalm; perhaps, as we should say, “Raise the tune.” Or, it may mean, Take an ode, a hymn, a psalm, composed for the occasion, and accompany it with the instruments of music which are specified. And bring hither the timbrel -For the purpose of praise. On the meaning of this word rendered “timbrel” -תףtôph- see the notes atIsaiah 5:12. The pleasant harp -On the word here rendered “harp” -כנורkinnôr- see also the notes atIsaiah 5:12. The word translated “pleasant” -נעיםnâ‛ı̂ym- means properly pleasant, agreeable, sweet,Psalms 133:1;Psalms 147:1.

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